Justin Cary, Sixpence None the Richer Bassist, Dies at 50

Justin Cary, the talented bassist who anchored the sound of Sixpence None the Richer for nearly three decades, has died at the age of 50. His passing comes just days after he suffered a stroke, an event that prompted an outpouring of support from his bandmates and the music community.

The band’s frontwoman, Leigh Nash, confirmed the news on Thursday, sharing a poignant tribute to her longtime collaborator. “‘We sure had a great time’ is an understatement. Thank you, Justin. We love you forever. Please keep his dear wife Linda close to your hearts. She is our family. There’s never been anybody like Justin,” Nash wrote on social media.

In a heartfelt reflection shared via Instagram Stories, Nash recalled Cary’s warmth and professional excellence. “Justin Cary was kind, talented, and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” she noted. “Whenever he had a story, I would stop to listen. I had to be sure to catch the end of ‘Kiss Me’ every night because he did this funky bass lick that tickled my brain so good.”

Cary joined Sixpence None the Richer in 1997, stepping in to replace former bassist J.J. Plasencio. His arrival preceded the band’s massive commercial breakthrough with their self-titled album, which featured the iconic hit “Kiss Me.” The track became a global phenomenon, peaking at Number Two on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing the band’s place in pop culture history. Cary also contributed to the group’s successful 1999 cover of the La’s “There She Goes,” another staple of the era.

Nash highlighted the deep bond shared by the band members, noting that Cary was a mentor as much as a friend. “I feel incredibly lucky to have known him and to have learned the touring ropes from someone so extraordinary. I was looking forward to being his friend for a long time,” she added.

Following the stroke, a GoFundMe page was established by Nash to assist Cary and his wife, Linda, with medical expenses. The fundraiser confirmed that Cary passed away peacefully with his wife by his side. Earlier in the week, Nash had reached out to fans, describing Cary as a man of “second to NONE professionalism, class, humor (oh my lord the humor) wit, tough as an old boot as they say.”

Cary remained a dedicated member of Sixpence None the Richer until his final days, leaving behind a legacy of musical brilliance that defined the sound of a generation.